Daniel Smith embraces a new chapter as Simon Fraser joins U SPORTS

For Daniel Smith, Simon Fraser University's joining U SPORTS represents more than a change in competition.

It represents an opportunity to showcase the quality of Canadian university basketball.

"It's super underrated," Smith said. 

"What people misunderstand about U SPORTS and Canadian basketball overall is that we've got some incredible athletes, super skilled, super knowledgeable in the game, and overall just super competitive."

The Winnipeg native will be among the student-athletes helping usher Simon Fraser into a new era after the university was accepted as U SPORTS' 59th member. Beginning in 2027, the Red Leafs will compete in Canada West following more than a decade in the NCAA, marking a return to Canadian university sport after previously competing in U SPORTS from 2000 to 2010.

For Smith, the transition is one he welcomes.

Having previously competed within the Canadian university system at Carleton University before transferring to Simon Fraser, he has experienced firsthand the level of competition U SPORTS offers.

"I learned more about myself and developed as a person mentally and physically," he said. 

"I got stronger, got smarter and just overall better at basketball."

Smith's basketball journey began more than a decade earlier in his hometown of Winnipeg.

Introduced to the game by a friend at nine years old, he quickly discovered a passion for basketball. By the time he reached Grade 9, his goals had become clear.

"This is what I want my career to be," he recalled. 

I'm going to go to university to play basketball and then play professionally afterwards."

What first drew him to the sport remains the same today.

"I love competing," he said. 

"Basketball is one of the most competitive sports there is."

Just as importantly, he values the relationships the game has created.

"When you join a team, it's like a brotherhood," he said. 

"Most of the friends I have today are from my previous teams. They're lifelong relationships."

Those relationships continued to grow after arriving at Simon Fraser.

Although joining a new program could have been daunting, Smith said the transition was made easy by teammates and coaches who immediately welcomed him into the Red Leafs community.

"Everyone was super friendly and welcoming," he said. 

"It's a super family-based team."

The experience also challenged him personally.

Naturally introverted, Smith said moving across the country helped him step outside his comfort zone, build stronger relationships and become more vocal as one of the team's veteran players.

"I've learned to connect with more people," he said.

On the court, that has meant embracing leadership.

Smith describes himself as someone who leads by example, whether by being the hardest worker in the gym or mentoring younger teammates during workouts.

"I'll work out with them and show them the drills I've learned throughout my career," he said. 

"Whatever they really need, I just try to give as much as I can."

His desire to mentor others extends beyond basketball.

Currently studying psychology, Smith says the program has deepened his understanding of people and reinforced his desire to help others both during and after his playing career.

"It teaches you so much about yourself and so much about other people," he said.

After pursuing professional basketball, Smith hopes to return to the classroom as a teacher.

"I want to somehow give back and help," he said.

That motivation stems largely from his family.

"My family is super giving," he said. "I always see my brothers and my mom trying to help people."

His mother, in particular, remains one of his biggest inspirations.

Although she has not been able to watch him play in person since he left Winnipeg in high school, she continues to follow every game from afar.

"My mom watches every game," Smith said.

Her support has shaped the way he now views success.

"I want to be financially stable enough to provide for myself and provide for others," he said. 

"I want to make other people happy. I want to help out where I can."

That same perspective has helped him navigate challenges throughout his basketball career, including injuries.

Currently recovering from one that has kept him out for several months, Smith says he has learned to view setbacks as opportunities for growth.

"I've gone through a lot of challenges, and I've turned them into lessons," he said.

His advice to younger athletes is rooted in that experience.

"Dream big," he said. 

"Don't let anyone step on your dreams and minimize your vision."

As Simon Fraser prepares to rejoin U SPORTS, Smith believes Canadian university basketball is entering an exciting period.

He points to the continued growth of the Canadian Elite Basketball League, increased visibility for women's basketball and expanding opportunities for young athletes across the country.

"Just being able to represent and aid to the growth of U SPORTS and Canadian basketball overall is truly a great opportunity," he said. 

"I look forward to continuing to help basketball in Canada grow and show the rest of the world what we're really about."